Module UXS-2222:Screenwriting:Theory&Practice

Module Facts

Run by School of Music and Media

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser:
Mr Mathew Owen

Overall aims and purpose

This module introduces students to key theories of screenwriting studies, and assesses them on their own understanding of these theories, and on their own creative screenwriting practice in the form of screenplays and treatments. Workshops will look at the history and development of the screenplay, and interrogate the relationship between the written word and screen media. These sessions will also examine a range of concepts related to screenwriting, including adaptation, visual storytelling, characterisation, structure, genre and the use of dialogue and action. Students will gain an awareness of the industrial demands of screenwriting, focusing on the process of taking an idea from screenplay to screen.

Course content

During the first part of the module, students will focus on a theoretical discussion of screenwriting. This section will focus on the development of the craft of screenwriting, and will examine differing approaches taken by various writers working in a number of different historical periods and industrial contexts. Workshops will involve analysis of key texts, and an examination of the process of writing. This section of the module will culminate in a midterm assessment in the form of an essay.

The second part of the module will provide students with an opportunity to develop their understanding of screenwriting through their own practice. Students will work with the module tutors to develop a portfolio of creative work that builds upon their understanding of screenwriting theory. Students will submit their portfolio of work as the final assessment for this module.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Threshold: D-range

Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows:

Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.

Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.

Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.

Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

C- to C+

Good: C-range

Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:

Good structure and logically developed arguments.

At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.

Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning.

Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

excellent

Excellent: A-range

Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways:

Has originality of exposition with the student's own thinking being readily apparent.

Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.

Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

good

Very Good: B-range

Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:

Very good structure and logically developed arguments.

Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.

Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.

Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Learning outcomes

Display an ability to evaluate effective screenwriting, including characterisation, structure, genre, visual storytelling and the use of dialogue and action.

Appraise your knowledge of the industrial and creative demands of the short film form.

Evaluate key concepts in screenwriting theory.

Develop and write effective screenplays for film that conform to industry standard formatting

Assessment Methods

Type

Name

Description

Weight

ESSAY

Essay

Essay on screenwriting theory

50

LOGBOOK OR PORTFOLIO

Screenwriting Portfolio

Portfolio consisting of short screenplay and detailed treatment

50

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours

Workshop

11 x 2 hour workshops

22

Private study

178 hours of private study used to develop your writing as well as following suggested readings.

178

Transferable skills

Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media

Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software

Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance

Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives

Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information

Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others

Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.

Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Subject specific skills

An understanding of creative and critical processes, and of the wide range of skills inherent in creative writing. (NAWE Creative Writing Benchmark Statement 3.1).